Hey, Lovies!
If you have painful periods, this article will be your best friend.
I don’t know about you, but there have been days when I’ve been in so much pain. There were days when I felt like I could just rip my pelvic organs out and be done with them. Those stabs and jabs are way too fresh in my mind.
I know I am not the only girl in the world who have had this experience. There are so many women who suffer with painful periods every month!
I hope that as you read on, you will find your help in achieving a less painful period this Christmas and after.
What exactly is the menstrual period?
If you don’t quite understand it all, let me help you.
A woman’s menses is simply that period of her menstrual cycle when she sees bleeding from the vagina. The bleeding is the result of the shedding of the lining of her uterus (womb). The lining of the womb will regenerate (grow back) after her menstrual bleed has stopped.
Dysmenorrhea
Unfortunately, most women experience pain with their menses. Some mild and some severe. This can sometimes feel like the worst curse mother nature can ever bring us!
A painful period is termed as dysmenorrhea. This is divided into primary or secondary.
What is Primary dysmenorrhea?
This is pain due to the uterus itself contracting to squeeze the shed lining through the cervix and out of the body.
This type of pain tends to occur 1 to 2 days prior to the start of the bleeding. It usually runs into the time of bleeding for some days, usually 2 to 4 days.
What is Secondary dysmenorrhea?
This is menstrual pain due to a health issue in the pelvic organs itself.
The popular culprits include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis and endometriosis.
What causes the pain?
As the lining of the uterus is shed, there is a release a biological chemical called prostaglandin. This stimulates the muscles of your womb to contract.
This results in those annoying, wavelike bouts of cramps you wish never existed.
Where do cramps usually occur?
Now most women will feel those cramps in the lower abdomen and/or their lower back. Some may also feel cramping in the upper part of the thigh. This is a normal path for the pain to take.
Most women who have mild cramps may find it necessary to take a simple pain killer they purchase over-the-counter. Some of these same women may not even need to take any pain killer at all.
However, women who experience severe cramps may need strong pain killers prescribed by a doctor. These are usually the women who end up having secondary dysmenorrhea.
Now, whether your case is mild or severe, these tips can help you get through the cramps, this winter and after.
If your pain curse has come already, I hope the odds were in your favor and you found a solution out there from some other lover who sent her tips to the world. If not, then today is your lucky day.
It’s sweet and simple to follow so, let us dive right in!
Here are 11 great tips to wave those cramps goodbye
Tip # 1: Visit your Gynecologist
In light of all the information in cyber world, nothing trumps the knowledge and advice of your doctor. You know, the one at the office.
They are the ones you should confide in and listen to. They know what needs to be done in the case of your painful menses. Your general health care providers are okay, but your gynecologist is the #1 choice.
Your gynecologist will ensure that you do not have secondary dysmenorrhea. That way, you are sure it’s just those good ‘ole (still annoying) cramps.
Tip #2: Self medication
If you have primary dysmenorrhea and mild cramps, this is for you. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers will most definitely work for you.
You should ask the pharmacist first for anti-prostaglandin type painkillers. The most common options are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These block production of the prostaglandins.
Popular OTC NSAIDs include Ibuprofen (Advil®) and Aleve®
Other OTC pain killers you should try are Panadol and Tramadol.
NSAIDs should not be taken by persons who have stomach or peptic ulcers. You should eat before taking these medications to prevent irritation of your stomach.
Doctors usually recommend taking at least 2 different types of painkillers. They should work in different ways to tackle the pain from different angles.
Nevertheless, you should always consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take these medications.
Tip #3: Ask your doctor to prescribe strong painkillers
NISE is awesome! This is an NSAID which I have personally found works wonders for me. I would recommend this any day and any time. It has proven itself to be exceptional in performance.
If you take these as soon as you feel the first cramp, that’s a wrap. Other more popular NSAIDs include Voltaren and Cataflam. You should certainly ask your doctor about these.
Another one to ask about is Panadeine and Panadeine F. The latter is simply a stronger formulation of the former. This drug contains acetaminophen (the active component in Panadol) and codeine which is an opioid. These work great, and I used them most during my adolescent years.
Baralgin®, an anti-spasmodic, makes the contractions of the uterus less, therefore reducing the pain. The drawback to this one is the bitter taste of the tablet which will turn your face green.
Drugs.com is a great site you can use to find out more about these medications.
Tip #4: Consider using contraceptives
Contraceptives can regulate periods, making them lighter and wayyyy less painful.
The ‘Pill’ is the most popular form used. The hormones in the contraceptives are similar to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate your menstrual cycle.
The hormone levels in the body can be tweaked by the contraceptives to cause an override of the normal cycles. These hormones will tell your brain to hold off on your period. This hold off will remain until the hormone levels fall back to your body’s normal circulating levels.
The use of contraceptive should be done under the supervision of your gynecologist. So, make an appointment to see your doctor soon.
Tip #5: Have a baby!
For younger, fertile and READY women who want to start your family, having a baby is a really nice way to say goodbye to cramps. Unfortunately, this is only guaranteed for 9 months.
But, the time your menses return after that is up to you and your baby.
The delay of the menses after having a baby is called lactational amenorrhea. This is dependent on the breastfeeding practices of the mother.
The more frequent and longer the new baby is breastfed, the longer the time of lactational amenorrhea.
It’s also possible that menstrual pain may lessen or even disappear altogether (most times, forever) after having a baby. Many women have reported this.
We have no idea why this happens particularly as medical scientists. If you like this idea and will try it, all I can say is “May the odds be in your favor”.
Tip # 6: Quit smoking today
Did you know that smoking causes prostaglandin release?
The greater the levels of prostaglandin, the greater the forces of contraction and your pain.
So, if you want to get rid of those cramps, this is a great place to start.
I know breaking bad habits are never easy. Just bear in mind that “nothing beats a failure except a try”.
The BONUS you get for quitting, apart from less pain, is better health and quality of life.
The benefits of quitting exceed the benefits, if any, of continuing smoking.
Tip #7: Fight back through Exercise
Now, I have personally tried this, and it surely made a difference.
I guess, the fact that my body was in a fit and healthy state just communicated to my uterus that I am not the one.
Good health and fitness will keep the curse of mother nature’s illnesses at bay any day.
I usually do aerobics for my exercise routines. A popular option though is Yoga.
I have never personally done it, out of fear of tripping over my own body parts, but the science that backs its health benefits are rock-solid.
A study was published in 2017 indicating the significant improvement in severity of menstrual cramps, fitness and quality of life in women who did Yoga compared to those who did no exercise at all.
So, if you know how to and enjoy it, knock yourself out! It will certainly be worth it.
Tip #8: Maintain a period-friendly diet
Now if you are already using a clean and healthy diet, you have won 50% of the battle already. If not, let’s get you there because eating clean creates better health.
I am sure you already know the food groups already and there are many options to choose from each.
But, just so that I do not bore you, simply understand that you want to have foods in your diet that are rich in Calcium, magnesium, vitamin B-6, C and E, Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants. These are period-friendly nutrients.
Fruits and vegetables are always a good start. Add some fish to the mix too.
Then spice it up with something of your choice – like ginger, thyme, basil or the good ‘ole cinnamon and peppermint.
I will make a post about these good foods specifically on another day. But the more popular foods include bananas, almonds, blueberries, salmon, celery, seeds, chocolate (yes, chocolate!).
If you don’t want to eat these foods, then try a good supplement with the key nutrients.
So, go ahead and get the ball rolling. Make those green juices and teas and get pass those monster cramps.
Avoid these foods when your menses are coming
- Excess sugars (simple sugars like glucose and fructose)
- Caffeine
- Sodas
- Processed foods
- Salty foods
- Fried foods
- Dairy products
Be sure to tune in to get a detailed rundown of foods to have and foods to avoid when your menses come for you.
Tip #9: Stay hydrated
Water adds more volume to your blood, therefore diluting the concentration of the pain-triggering prostaglandins. Not to mention is a good adjunct to every health issue.
Hydration makes you feel well and optimizes your body’s function. Go ahead and do it now, you will not regret it!
Water restrictions only apply to certain women with heart and kidney failure.
Tip #10: Meditation
Meditation is your own psychotherapy. This practice makes your mind feel more soulfully connected to your body.
These connections cause the happy hormones, like serotonin and dopamine to be secreted from your brain. They manipulate your body’s perception and reaction to pain.
After meditation, and you will feel awesome,
It gets better if you can find someone or something to cuddle with and have a nap. You will wake up refreshed and in full strength to ward off any monster cramp attacks.
Tip #11: Heat therapy
This one is an oldie but a goodie!
It involves simply placing warm pads, towels or bottles on your lower abdomen.
Notice that the term is WARM and NOT HOT!
They provide a sensation of soothing relief and comfort when those jabbing cramps are way too much to handle. I have been doing this since I started having those cramps and it never fails.
I would suggest a warm bath also, because that works super well. It gives you the perfect moment to add your favorite essential oils to the water and just relax and unwind in the moment. I do it all the time and I never regret it.
If it’s still winter, I don’t know if you may want to do this daily but, at least give it a try. You will enjoy this.
Let’s wrap this post up!
Well, lovies, I hope you have found something in this mix to suite your liking and reduce your dysmenorrhea.
Remember my #1 tip!
ALWAYS visit your doctor and ask them what is best for you to do.
Ask them questions about all these tips. I hope you receive care and guidance from your trusted physicians.
Keep tuned for more information about periods and your reproductive health.
Happy pain-free menses, Lovies!
XOXO
